Only regular School Committee in July is also Supt Lucas Giguere's first one (audio)

FM #830 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 830 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:08 PM. This was the first official meeting for new Superintendent Lucas Giguere.

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the only regular meeting scheduled for this month by the Franklin School Committee on July 19, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-830-school-committee-meeting-07-19-22

--------------

Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22_workshop.pdf 

Meeting recap and video link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/franklin-school-committee-welcomed-supt.html

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbcgzkEbC38sNzE1z_2PBtFtfBfI6tBU/view?usp=sharing 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

(L-R) Business Manager M Goodman, Supt L Giguere, Dir Student Svcs P Marano

Register O’Donnell Reports on Last 12 Months of Norfolk County Real Estate Activity - FY 2022

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity for fiscal year 2022, from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, show a decrease in activity compared to the 2021 numbers but reflect a continued increase in the average sale price of Norfolk County properties.

“The 2021 Norfolk County real estate market was down from 2021 in a number of respects.” noted Register O’Donnell, “For the fiscal year ending June 30, there were 162,148 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 22% decrease from fiscal year 2021. The number of deeds which evidence real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, decreased by 7% in fiscal 2022. However, the average sale price was $1,212,925, a substantial 26% increase compared to 2021. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed solid gains, increasing 18% to well over $14 billion,” noted the Register. “The lack of inventory and the need for new construction continues to push up prices. There are more buyers and not enough inventory. Market conditions and rising interest rates are impacting real estate activity”

Overall lending activity decreased in FY 2022. A total of 33,861 mortgages were recorded during the year, a 36% decrease compared to FY 2021. “There’s no question that interest rate increases and the fact that many consumers have already refinanced are impacting these numbers,” noted O’Donnell. “The increase in mortgage interest rates have made consumers less inclined to borrow money.”

One concerning metric for 2022 in Norfolk County relates to foreclosures.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely tracking foreclosure activity. There were 66 foreclosure deeds recorded in Norfolk County in the last fiscal year, an increase of 65% from the same period a year ago when there were 40 foreclosure deeds recorded.  Of even greater concern is the fact that there were 199 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in Norfolk County in FY 2022, up substantially from 92 Notices recorded in FY 2021. “We are reminded that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

 

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased in FY 2022 at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.   There was an 8% decrease in homestead recordings in 2021 compared to 2020.  “The comparison from the prior fiscal year is not too surprising where the sales of homes have started to decrease”, noted O’Donnell, “but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should understand that a recorded Declaration Homestead provides some protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection.”

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “Without question fiscal 2022 was a mixed bag for real estate activity in Norfolk County.  However, available real estate inventory continues to be a source of concern in Norfolk County. It’s especially a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business. The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds building The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase.. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.” 

Attached is a link to a “Good Deeds” episode discussing the 2022 Norfolk County real estate statistics and other issues relating to the Registry of Deeds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFkY5Jp7c4Y

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Register O’Donnell Reports on  Last 12 Months of Norfolk County Real Estate Activity - FY 2022

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, July 25, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

9:00 am 4th of July 2022: Duppy Conquerors

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

3:30 pm Physician Focus: Guns and Public Health

4:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

5:30 pm Senior Connection: Hearing Loss

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: Stephen Meyers

7:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Unified Basketball

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

8:30 pm FSPA: Spring Concert Show 2

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

10:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

12:00 pm Public School Event: Jazz Cafe 02-07-20

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Unified Basketball

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Catholic Memorial 04-20-22

6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Concord-Carlisle 04-30-22

8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 07-11-22

12:00 pm Economic Development: 07-20-22

2:00 pm Planning Board: 07-11-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 898 6957 7385

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Franklin.TV: Our Open Board Meeting - Aug 27 - 3 PM

It’s Happening. August 27th at Our Studio

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/24/2022

This year our Annual Open Board Meeting will take place as part of a neighborhood block party at our 23 Hutchinson St. studios.

Join us, Saturday, August 27 at 3:00 PM. 

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by August 15 to: info@franklin.tv

It’s open to all Franklin businesses and residents. We’ll meet-and-greet and enjoy the day starting at 3:00pm. Come hungry and enjoy some great food and music. You can also tour our studios and learn about Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm. We’ll also review our progress during the past year and discuss plans for the future. At our meeting you may cast a vote for new and/or renewing board positions.

Excerpt from FCCA bylaws: (Available on our website.)

Section 15. Election of Director by the Membership (a) Members shall be notified by the Clerk of the election of a director by the Membership at the Annual Meeting. Said notice shall be in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 4 of this Article IV. (b) Any eligible voting Member may be nominated for election to the position of Director by:

(i) Written notification to the Clerk no later than seven (7) days prior to Annual Meeting; or (ii) By nomination from the floor of the Annual Meeting made and seconded by no less than three (3) eligible voting members.

Thanks to our board members who contribute their time and energy to help make Franklin●TV all that a public access studio can be. If you would like to become involved either as a volunteer or to create your own TV or radio programs at Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm, just send an email to: info@franklin.tv with your contact information. You can also call us to discuss and explore your ideas. 508-541-4118.

Please join us at our Franklin●TV event. Again, it’s Saturday, August 27th starting at 3:00pm. Our brief open board meeting begins at 4:00pm. Come meet, greet, and learn all about local TV and radio in Franklin.

See you then. 

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin TV  - Town Hall YouTube Channel

Town Council Quarterbacking: 07/20/22 - Ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers? (audio)

FM #829 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 829 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday, Jul 21, 2022. The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, July 20.

• Ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers? 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Margaret (Peg) Simpson

b. Proclamation: FHS Unified Basketball Team

 

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. 2022 Election Workers  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_election_0.pdf 

new resolutions to be a regular feature for approval prior to elections

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Rider Donation Presentation – donation to Veterans Services

b. Discussion: Disposition of Town-owned land containing South Franklin Meeting House  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._old_south_church.pdf 

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

b. Resolution 22-44: Authoring Tax Increment Financing, Plansee USA LLC, 115 Constitution Boulevard (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-44 - Majority Vote) 

c. Resolution 22-45: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Davis-Thayer Elementary School from School Committee to Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-45 - Two Thirds Majority Vote)  

Town Administrator Updates

a. “Friendly 40B” Application   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/friendly_chapter_40b_process.docx.pdf 

b. Town Administrator Five Year Fiscal Forecast (forthcoming and may not be a good outlook)

 

Executive session for contract approvals; Returned to open session to vote on the 6 contracts

The show notes contain a link to the Town Council agenda.

The recording runs just about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session of July 21, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-829-town-council-quarterbacking-07-21-22

--------------

Town Council agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/july_20_2022_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Town Council video (YouTube)  https://youtu.be/xsn7kOA_S9I 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y8HddB5SGMKVe_vvGpy_5seRpyASnCsT/view?usp=sharing

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Council pose with coaches and athletes of the goal medalist FHS Unified Basketball team

More Perfect Union: 055 - A History of U.S. Civil Rights and John Marshall with Author Peter Canellos (Part 1)

In this episode, the group sits down with award-winning writer, author and former Boston Globe Editor Peter Canellos, to speak about his book 'The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero', a look at the U.S.'s history of civil rights, how John Marshall shaped the political and economic landscape at the turn of the century and the ties that has to today.

This conversation is part one in a two-part conversation with Peter Canellos.

If you'd like to learn more about Peter Canellos, his book 'The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero', or Peter's other works, you can visit his website here:  https://peterscanellos.com/

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/055-a-history-of-u-s-civil-rights-and-john-marshall-with-author-peter-canellos-part-1

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

Social Security Celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act

This year, we celebrate 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Social Security, we're committed to the principles and spirit of the ADA, and the many ways it improves the lives of our beneficiaries. That's why we're celebrating and sharing Matt's story. As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt story.

As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was reluctant to tell prospective employers about his disability. He worried that employers would not hire him if they knew about his disability.

Matt's story

That’s when Matt connected with our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers offer supports and services as participants move toward financial independence through work.

Continue reading the article

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-celebrates-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge at Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are once again issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s commitment to address food insecurity in area towns and neighborhoods. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made July 25th through August 5th up to $25,000. When the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge is met, it will result in $50,000 to benefit food security initiatives through the Hockomock Area YMCA.  

Every Wednesday, since March 2020, the Hockomock Y has provided free family-size grocery bags valued at $50 each at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro to anyone in need. To date, more than 58,776 grocery bags have been distributed.  Additionally, the Y has been working with community partners and school nutrition departments to ensure that children and families have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. This summer, meals are being provided in Milford and North Attleboro.  Since March 2020, the Hockomock Y has provided 420,219 meals to those in need. 

Individuals and families continue to face financial stresses as a result of the pandemic including basic needs like food.  With the ongoing increase in the cost of groceries and gas, we are again seeing an increase in the number of people challenged with food insecurity.  “We are grateful to be part of communities full of caring people committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods by working together to address community challenges,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “I am so proud of the work our Y continues to do in partnership with others to alleviate hunger in our communities through our Food Access initiative.  We are only able to do this through the philanthropic support of a caring community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our Food Access Initiative and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact in our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Through the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge, Kathy Spier expressed her hope that this challenge “will inspire people to make a gift to help people, spread kindness and provide a caring hand to those who need it in our communities.”

“We were so thrilled with the overwhelming response to last year’s Kindness for Kids Challenge,” added Kathy. “Knowing that the need continues in our community, and proud of how our YMCA is responding, we are offering this challenge again to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and make a difference.” 

Greg Spier shared, “My dad always talked about wanting to leave the world a better place than he found it.  That’s why he and my mom, and Kathy and I, are such passionate supporters of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  We continue to see firsthand the impact our Y is having in responding to so many critical emerging needs.  Kathy and I are so grateful for how our Y is responding to the ongoing challenges of food insecurity.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA remains committed to ending hunger in our neighborhoods and we join them in these efforts. Please consider a gift and we will proudly match it, July 25th through August 5th,” says Greg Spier. “Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support.”

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org. 

For more information about the Y’s food securities initiatives, visit hockymca.org/food-access. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

(L-R: Kathy Spier, Greg Spier, the late Alex Spier and Sonja Spier)

Senator Rausch: 10 Days to Go

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content follow this link->  https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-16530066

10 more days of formal session... let's get it done!

View this email in your browser Senator Rausch State House Briefing    Part 2, Chapter 18 (July 21, 2022)    I hope you and your loved ones are staying cool and enjoying the beautiful summer that Massachusetts has to offer.  I write to you from the marathon of policymaking happening here on Beacon Hill. With less than two weeks to go before the end of our formal legislative session, I continue to advance justice and equity in all the bills coming before us, as well as legislation that has not made its way to the Senate floor. Want to tune in to the legislative action as it unfolds? Check out the upcoming Senate schedule and stream any of the debates as they happen live on the Senate floor.  In this newsletter, you'll find an update on legislation and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget (many big victories!), Senate action to advance reproductive justice in Massachusetts, and a roundup of some local events. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.    I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.      Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    Virtual Evening Office Hours My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.     Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.          Upcoming virtual office hours:     Monday, August 1, 5-6 PM  Monday, September 12, 5-6 PM  Monday, October 3, 5-6 PM  Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133